Erte:Fashion Illustrator

Erte is one of the most notable fashion illustrators and costume designers and a master of the Art Deco style.He was born in Romain de Tirtoff in St.Petersburg,Russia on 23^rd November 1892.He came from a an aristocratic musical family loyal to Tsar.Since he was very young,he was introduced to theater. His family had a permanent box in Maryinsky Theater and also had the Ballets Russes of the famed Diaghilev.In 1912,his family moved to Paris,France.He became a French citizen since then.He went to study at the Academie Julian and at the Ecole Nationale des Beaux-Arts.

In 1913,Erte was hired by Paul Poiret.This is where he decided to change his name to Erte.During this time he also worked for Gazette du Bon Ton.In 1913,he deisgned costumes fir a scene called “La Musee Cubiste in Paris music hall revue,Plus Ca Change.Etre worked for Harper;s Bazaar in New York.His work was published from 1916 to december 1936.By the Erte had gained reputation as the world's leading fashion illustrators.Erte style was influenced by the painting of the Pre-Raphaelites,and also by floral and Art Deco patterns and he might influenced by the books he saw in the library of his father which included Sixteenth century Persians and Indian miniatures which he acquired certain precious decorative motifs as well as love for details and for gold and silver.

Above is one of his work.

This illustration is called 'Symphony in Black'.The fashion illustration give me a an impression of a very elegant and high class style.The silhouette of the illustration gives a very feminine look.His fashion illustration is similar to those ancient Egyptian kind of artwork because of the 'hat' on her head.The colours that were used were really suitable.With the dog in the illustration,it also gives a sense of protection for the women because like people say 'Dogs are men best friend'.Since the women is high class and elite,the women need a sense of protection.

What I feel about the picture above is that I was impressed by the way the women is dressed.The garment that the women is wearing is a sari(an indian traditional costume)like I said earlier his style was influenced by the books from his father's library and one of the style that was taken from the images of the books are indian miniatures.The handy fan that she is holding,is like a peacock feathers. Nevertheless,it is clear now that he's style was influenced by indian miniatures.

This is one of his works that were published n Harper's Bazaar.This illustrations of Erte gives me an impression of calm and relax because the colours that were used and the way the women is women is wearing gives an impression of peace.

During world war 2 1930's and 1940's he was a primarily involved in theatre in Paris,London and elsewhere.His designs were acquired by opera,ballet,drama,music hall companies.When he was 73 years old, he unveiled thousands of perfectly preserved illustrations they caused a resurgence of Art Deco in the late 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.On April 21, 1990, at the age of ninety-seven, Erté died in France.

What I have learned or want to pick up from his illustrations Is that,inspirations can be found in many ways it's either you know how to combine the inspiration to your style.